Exaggeration

Exaggeration is the usage of actions of a character expressed over the top and in not symmetric proportions. We usually find exaggeration in a cartoon style animation where it does not follow the rules of physical shape and it looks less realistic. It helps the audience to understand the mood of the character especially when it is emotion of surprise (fig.1) and also it makes the animation more interesting and exciting. However, we can use exaggeration at an extent, so we do not confuse the audience.

Fig.1

This video is from Tom and Jerry Tales where animators create many poses of exaggeration.